On Saturday, September 17 Slough High Street transformed into a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community spirit with the launch of the long-awaited Slough Town Street Market and unveiling a stunning new mural.

The event, organised by The Slough BID and The Slough Hub, saw approximately 200 people, including local buskers, artists, officials, and community members, coming together for a day of creativity and positivity.

The festivities kicked off with Street Performers performing songs and music performances. The Mayor, Cllr Balwinder S Dhillon, unveiled the mural, a breathtaking artwork celebrating the art and culture of Slough.

The mural, created by local artist Maralin Cottenham, was admired for its vibrant colours and depiction of Slough’s diverse community. 

Chief Designer Tarcila Border and artists Johanna and Gozan contributed to the concept, which has now brought a splash of colour and inspiration to the high street.

Following the mural unveiling, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Dexter Smith, officially launched the Slough Town Street Market with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In his speech, he praised the event as a perfect example of how art and culture can rejuvenate public spaces and unite people.

“This initiative brings the much-needed rejuvenation of the high street, which has been neglected for a while. It’s wonderful to see such a strong community spirit,” he remarked.

The Community Art Market was buzzing with activity as buskers filled the air with music and local vendors showcased their food and craftsmanship. Participants mingled, explored the stalls, and enjoyed the artistic atmosphere, creating a sense of togetherness.

The leader of the Council’s speech highlighted how such initiatives are essential to fostering a robust and engaged community.

Vineet Vijh, Founder of The Slough Hub, thanked everyone and stated, "We couldn’t have made this happen without the support of so many incredible contributors.

I’d like to especially thank Tarcila Border for the overall concept, Johanna and Gozan for their artistic input, and Maralin Cottenham for bringing the mural to life. I’m also grateful for the contributions from Crown Decorating Centre and Queensmere Shopping Centre for their continued support in making this vision a reality.”

The celebration continued into the afternoon with an exciting party in the Community Art Market. Attendees enjoyed street performances, delicious food, and live music from buskers. The high energy and sense of unity throughout the day were a testament to the success of this event.

The launch marked a significant milestone in The Slough Hub’s and Slough BID’s ongoing efforts to create a more vibrant and engaging high street. Future events and busking sessions are planned to keep the momentum going.